New Program Offers Free Energy Audits for Local Businesses

You'll want to remember this moment. Help us record what's happening in Decorah. DECORAH — The Winneshiek Energy District now offers Commercial AuditPLUS+, a program for commercial utility customers in Howard, Winneshiek, and Allamakee counties. Commercial AuditPLUS+ goes beyond a traditional energy audit to help businesses and organizations identify utility savings through free energy monitoring sensors that show real-time energy consumption. A certified energy auditor performs a comprehensive on-site audit, providing a snapshot of a building's energy use. "The service is slightly different depending on your building," said energy auditor Paul Cutting. "It typically includes utility bill analysis, lighting inventory, appliance inventory, air leakage and insulation measurements, and a written report with recommendations for increased energy efficiency." After the audit, the energy auditor reviews the results and highlights available financial incentives that could support future utility improvements. The program provides free energy monitoring devices and installation for enterprises that would benefit from long-term energy tracking. Participants work with an electrician to install devices in the building's circuit box, allowing real-time viewing of energy use through a smartphone app. This tool offers insight into energy consumption trends, including behavioral and environmental factors. A follow-up consultation occurs six to nine months after monitoring begins. The energy auditor reviews data with participants to identify behavioral or seasonal opportunities for savings. "We're excited to see how providing these relatively new devices to area businesses helps them identify seasonal or behavioral opportunities for savings," said Winneshiek Energy District Executive Director Kristin Eggen. Interested participants can attend a free informational webinar at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. Register by Tuesday, March 10, at energydistrict.org/events/. The Commercial AuditPLUS+ program is made possible by a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and support from local partners including the Allamakee County Energy District and Howard County Energy District. Learn more at energydistrict.org/services/. Questions can be directed to the Winneshiek Energy District at contact@energydistrict.org or 563-382-4207 ext. 1. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.